Law Minister S. Regupathy on Wednesday claimed the Tamil Nadu government was not consulted on the decision to cede Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in 1974. “There are no indications that approval from both houses of the parliament was sought,” he told reporters at the Secretariat.

Mr. Regupathy also countered AIADMK general secretary and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s remark questioning why the DMK did not take measures to retrieve Katchatheevu, when it was part of the coalition government at the Centre.

“AIADMK was also part of the coalition government at the Centre. The question is not about who was there. Chief Minister M K Stalin has brought the resolution to resolve the issues faced by people,” he said.

“They are pointing out that we are bringing the resolution ahead of assembly elections. We did not bring the resolution due to elections. DMK is not afraid of elections. We are bringing this resolution ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka. It would be useful if Mr. Modi takes up the fishermen issue including the retrieval of Katchatheevu during his visit. Since BJP has backed the resolution we hope the Prime Minister takes the issue,” Mr. Regupathy said.

He also said Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. Selvaperunthagai’s argument that “we got back more” is not acceptable.

“The decision was made without consulting the state government. We want back the island which belongs to us. It is not about analysing the gain or loss. Ceding Katchatheevu was a loss for Tamils,” Mr. Regupathy said.